Spartanburg City Council’s April 13 meeting covered a wide sweep of civic life — from a year-one report on the city’s signature homelessness initiative to proclamations marking national awareness months and a lively public comment session focused on parks and the future of the city’s historic clock tower.
The evening’s most substantial presentation came from the “A Place to Call Home” initiative team, which delivered its first-year progress update to the council and a packed chamber audience. The program, launched in April 2025 as part of Mayor Jerome Rice’s priority agenda, has helped 132 people exit homelessness in its first year of full operation — a number program leaders and council members called meaningful but acknowledged is only a beginning.
A Place to Call Home: Year One Results
The “A Place to Call Home” framework operates with a 10-person team, including case managers, housing navigators, and outreach specialists who work directly with the city’s unhoused population. The team’s approach prioritizes rapid rehousing — connecting individuals and families with stable housing first and addressing underlying challenges from that stable foundation, rather than requiring treatment or employment as preconditions for housing assistance.
The city estimates that more than 3,000 people experience homelessness on any given night in Spartanburg County, a figure that reflects both chronic homelessness and episodic homelessness among families facing economic crises. The 132 exits represent individuals and families who transitioned into stable housing situations during the program’s first year, with ongoing case management support to reduce the risk of returning to homelessness.
Bridgeway Village, a supportive housing development that serves as one of the initiative’s key housing placements, has continued to expand capacity. Council members received updates on unit availability and support service coordination at the facility.
Proclamations: Fair Housing Month and Child Abuse Prevention
Council proclaimed April 2026 as both Fair Housing Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month in the City of Spartanburg. The Fair Housing proclamation recognized the 58th anniversary of the federal Fair Housing Act and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to equal access to housing regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. The Child Abuse Prevention proclamation aligned with statewide efforts coordinated through the SC Department of Social Services and local nonprofit partners including Safe Harbor and SAFE Homes-Rape Crisis Coalition.
Public Comment: Parks, Dogs, and the Clock Tower
Public comment produced a spirited exchange on several topics. Barnet Park drew organized support from neighborhood residents who called for investment in the facility’s aging infrastructure and programming. Dog park users raised maintenance concerns, citing equipment deterioration at several city-operated dog parks. The ongoing debate over Spartanburg’s historic Morgan Square clock tower — whether to restore, relocate, or replace it — surfaced again with residents taking multiple positions on the aesthetically and historically charged question.
Coming Up: Miles of the Mayor, April 25
Spartan Strong Towns announced during the meeting that its “Miles of the Mayor” community walk event will take place Saturday, April 25, at 9 a.m. The event is designed to highlight walkability issues and pedestrian infrastructure priorities in Spartanburg’s neighborhoods. Participants are encouraged to bring walking shoes and note conditions along the routes. Registration is free; details are available through the Spartan Strong Towns social media channels.
Also mentioned: Leon Wiles has entered the race for Spartanburg County Council chairman, a race that will come into focus as fall election season approaches. The full meeting is available on YouTube for residents who want to review any portion of the April 13 proceedings.
What’s Happening: Q&A
Q: How many people has “A Place to Call Home” helped?
The initiative helped 132 people exit homelessness in its first year of full operation. The program uses a 10-person team with a rapid rehousing model that prioritizes stable housing first.
Q: How large is Spartanburg’s homeless population?
The city estimates more than 3,000 people experience homelessness on any given night in Spartanburg County, reflecting both chronic and episodic homelessness.
Q: What awareness months did Council proclaim in April?
Council proclaimed April 2026 as Fair Housing Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month. Mayor Jerome Rice separately proclaimed April as Cambodian Heritage Month.
Q: What is the Miles of the Mayor event?
A community walk organized by Spartan Strong Towns on Saturday, April 25, at 9 a.m. to highlight pedestrian infrastructure priorities. Free to attend; details available through Spartan Strong Towns social media.
Q: Where can I watch the full April 13 meeting?
The full meeting recording is available on the City of Spartanburg’s YouTube channel.
